Black Swan State Theatre Company

The Events

by David Greig

Performed
21 Jun — 8 Jul 2018
at Studio Underground

The Events was the sleeper hit of the 2013 Edinburgh Festival and Clare Watson was instrumental in bringing this mesmerising theatre work to Australia in 2016, to direct its premiere for the Sydney Festival. After successful seasons in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, this acclaimed production is set to have its Perth premiere.

One of Australia’s most powerful actors, Catherine McClements (Water Rats, Rush), plays Claire, a vicar and leader of a community choir that regularly meet in a local town hall. When a young man enters the hall and opens fire, her beloved community – and the ideals that sustain it – is blown apart.

Set in the wake of the tragedy, a conversation unfolds between Claire and the young man. She is unpacking her rage, her fears and ultimately, her forgiveness. The young man is something else: the voice of the alienated, an enemy within and a lost generation. In an era of uncertainty and inexplicable events, questions are asked and resolutions sought. Could he have been stopped?

David Greig (Midsummer: A Play with Songs) has written a beautiful story of hope and healing. The Events will be performed with a different Perth community choir at each performance. It is an extraordinary blend of theatre and music.

We are pleased to share that Auslan interpretation is provided for both the matinee and evening performances on Saturday 7 July. Follow the links above and use the promo code AUSLAN to select seats in view of the interpreter.For groups 8+ please contact the Perth Theatre Trust at groups@ptt.wa.gov.au

A statement from Black Swan State Theatre Company:In programming the 2018 season, over a year ago, we looked at works that engaged in social issues that are of importance to our community. The next pairing of shows is specifically about political violence driven by the disenfranchised (ASSASSINS) and the other about how people find a pathway to heal in the aftermath of a community tragedy (THE EVENTS). The reality of gun violence coming to pass so close to home is shocking and a deep tragedy. All our hearts and thoughts here at Black Swan go out to friends and family of those lost and their entire community.

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Audio Description Service and Tactile Tours: An Audio Description Service for blind or vision impaired patrons. Read more

Captioned Performances:Captions of the script of the play will be displayed on a screen to assist patrons with hearing impairments. Read more

Post Show Q&A ft. Dr Anne Aly MP

Studio Underground

8:15pm — 8:45pm Wednesday 4 Jul, hosted by Clare Watson.

Book tickets for The Events on Wednesday 4 July and stay for the conversation. This performance will include an exclusive post-show talk where you can hear from Artistic Director Clare Watson in conversation with the Dr Anne Aly MP and actor Catherine McClements. Dr Aly is a Federal Labor MP for Cowan and the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Australian Parliament. As Adjunct Professor at the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Enquiry at Curtin University, her research interest is in the area of terrorism studies with a focus on public and policy response. We will explore the mediated fear of terrorism among Muslim communities and the broader community in Australia and inspire hope and a greater understanding of the world in which we live in today.

Churchlands Choral Society - Performance List

Studio Underground

8:00pm Thursday 5 Jul — 4:00pm Saturday 7 Jul

CHURCHLANDS CHORAL SOCIETY is a no-audition community choir, now based in Floreat. The choir sing a broad range of music: classical, contemporary, musical theatre and folk. CCS aims to produce high quality performances whether they are of serious classical works, funny and romantic pieces, Christmas and choral favourites or a joyous combination of everything. The choir has about fifty members and more people are welcome to join their friendly fold. CCS meet on Monday evenings at the Floreat Uniting Church during school terms. Find out more at www.churchlandschoralsociety.org.au. Image by Richard Hatherly.

Indie Pop Mix Choir - Performance List

Studio Underground

7:00pm Wednesday 27 Jun — 8:00pm Thursday 28 Jun

INDIE MIX POP CHOIR is a new, fun, alternative group singing experience for lovers of pop, indie, alternative and rock music. The choir rehearses weekly in the Band Room at the Civic Hotel in Inglewood, enjoying a glass of wine and singing a mix of the latest songs along with some occasional classic tunes. Songs are all arranged in three parts to suit all voices, both ladies and gents, are learned by ear, and are performed to an epic backing track. Indie Mix Pop Choir is for people who just love singing. Over the past six months the choir has to 35 members and anyone and everyone is welcome, all you need is a love of singing amazing music! No auditions, or previous experience or ability to read music is required. Find out more at https://www.indiemixpopchoir.com/. Image by Richard Hatherly.

Rhythmos - Performance List

Studio Underground

8:00pm Friday 22 Jun — 7:00pm Wednesday 4 Jul

RHYTHMOS Choir was founded by music director Jonathan Paxman at Curtin University in 2014. Comprising students, staff and members of the local community, Rhythmos aspires to the highest standards of performance and musicianship, with a repertoire that focuses on contemporary popular songs, but also includes folk music from around the world and contemporary classical repertoire. Rhythmos is in high demand around Perth for performances at music festivals and for special events, and frequently performs for charities and community events. Rhythmos was twice winner of "Best Choir" at the Joondalup Eisteddfod, and opened for New York vocal group "Naturally 7" at the Perth Concert Hall in 2015. In 2018, Rhythmos sold out its Fringeworld debut, "A Cappella", at the Edith Spiegeltent. Most recently, the choir was invited to travel to New York, where they performed on the Carnegie Hall stage with the world renowned vocal ensemble The King's Singers, as a part of that group's 50th birthday celebrations. Rhythmos is delighted to be joining the Black Swan Theatre Company for The Events, after performing at the 2018 season launch. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/rhythmoschoir. Image by Richard Hatherly.

St Barnabas Community Choir - Performance List

Studio Underground

7:00pm Tuesday 26 Jun — 8:00pm Friday 29 Jun

ST BARNABAS COMMUNITY CHOIR The community choir at St Barnabas Anglican Church in West Leederville was formed in 2012, comprising of enthusiastic amateurs from the surrounding suburbs, and led by the internationally trained and very talented Sarah Mills Menogue. They sing for Christmas and Easter services, but also enjoy performing a secular concert in the middle of the year for light relief. Over the years, the choir members have improved their reading of music, tonality and expressiveness, and take on more challenging works with eagerness. They have sung gospel, pop, rock, renaissance and folk music - often one after the other in a single concert! There are about thirty members in the choir ranging from 12 to 80 years. Image by Richard Hatherly.

The Mighty Camelot Chorale - Performance List

Studio Underground

8:00pm Thursday 21 Jun — 4:00pm Saturday 30 Jun

THE MIGHTY CAMELOT CHORALE is a community-based choir with an emphasis on fun and fellowship. Membership is open to all and no audition is necessary. Many of the members have had no previous choir experience, and most do not read music. The group was formed in the late 1990’s from members of the One Voice Choir. Jenny Simpson, and Peter Smith currently co-direct the choir. Camelot Chorale rehearses weekly at Alf Adams pavilion in Mosman Park and performs throughout the year at community events in the local area. Image by Richard Hatherly.

Voyces - Performance List

Studio Underground

8:00pm Saturday 30 Jun — 5:00pm Sunday 8 Jul

VOYCES are a Perth based, auditioned choir of exceptional performers whose focus is on the production, performance and promotion of contemporary classical choral Music. Formed in 2012, Voyces was born out of a passion for creating and sharing the highest quality choral music that connects audiences and performers. Beyond performing, Voyces aims to collaborate with the wider music community through performances, workshops and shared vision for exciting artistic practices. Renowned musical director, Dr Robert Braham, guides Voyces through performances of truly diverse repertoire including commissioned works through to staples of the genre. Find out more at https://voyces.com.au/. Image by Nik Babic.